Warm Stuffed Zucchini (Courgette) Cups
Total time: 40 minutes;
Little cups are formed by scooping the seeds out of thick slices, but leaving a base to hold the stuffing. A bit of cheese is added for the last few minutes, to just melt and bubble around the edges. Healthy and pretty! These would be great for a party, as all the work could be done ahead, and then baked at the last minute.
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini (courgette), about 2-1/2 inches (7cm) in diameter and at least 7 inches (18cm) long
- 1 medium tomato
- 3 - 4 green onions
- 1.5 oz (45gr) cheese
- 2 tbs fresh snipped basil leaves
- olive oil
- Greek or other black olives, optional
Instructions:
- Cut the zucchini into six 1 inch (2.5cm) rounds.
- Using a teaspoon scoop out the center of each round leaving 1/4 inch (.6cm) on sides and bottom. Discard 'trimmings' - there won't be much and zucchini is plentiful.
- Dip the bottom of each zucchini cup into oil and put on a baking sheet.
- Clean and finely slice the green onions. You will want about 2 (heaped) tsp of slices. Divide and put into each zucchini cup.
- Finely chop the tomato and put on top of the onions, mounding it up a bit to get it all in.
- Bake in 400F (200C) oven for 30 minutes.
- While they bake slice the cheese into small thin rectangles, just to makes it easier to work with.
- Remove zucchini and arrange cheese around the edge of the zucchini trying not to let it hang over the sides and leaving some tomato uncovered (prettier).
- Return to oven until cheese melts.
- Remove, arrange three on each plate, sprinkle with basil, garnish with olives and serve.